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It’s not easy to create big change with few resources, but last year the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce proved it can be done.
In 2022, the Chamber received a $75,000 grant from Clark County. This comes from about $95 million given to the county through his COVID-19 Pandemic Assistance Package for the federal government.
“When the pandemic hit our community, it was very clear that there were businesses that needed the help of the Chamber of Commerce, but they had to close their doors a week or two after the pandemic or any crisis hit. We also realized that we shouldn’t be threatened that we have to,” said Janet Kenevsky, vice president of membership and operations at the Chamber of Commerce.
With the Pandemic Relief Fund in hand, the Chamber of Commerce has expanded its Business Pathways to Opportunity and Development program.
“We wanted to make sure every company could withstand the pandemic, and how do we develop these skills to thrive in the better times outside of the pandemic?” Kenevsky said.
The program offers educational workshops, drop-in consultations, individual coaching sessions, and cohort coaching sessions at no cost to business owners, chamber of commerce members and non-members alike.
Kenevsky said the program is designed to help businesses meet their needs where and when they need it.
“If the educational workshops are successful, we give them the opportunity to stop by the workshops, hear from the speakers, and explain programming,” she said. “You can do homework, listen to it in your own time, and participate in live performances.”
The most popular element of the program is the individual coaching sessions. Kenevsky said the session also allows business owners to sit one-on-one with a coach who can explain all aspects of the business.
“This causes business owners to raise their hands and say, ‘Hey, listen. I don’t know how to do this well. I need help.’ And they can do it in secret.” she said.
Taking a hands-on approach to helping businesses is a big part of the program. For example, rather than directing people starting a new business to the Secretary of State’s website for answers, Kenevsky said coaches strive to provide those answers.
“Starting a business in Washington state is very cumbersome and often very confusing. Sit down and explain why and whether it should be a (Limited Liability Company) or an S Corporation or a B Corp — for tax purposes What are the advantages? What are the disadvantages? They do their homework,” she said.
After answering these questions, your coach will move you to topics like identifying your business’ target audience, building your brand, maximizing your resources, and focusing on marketing.
“The Chamber of Commerce, like other organizations, aims to support small and micro businesses and provide them with opportunities to learn, grow, and bridge business acumen gaps,” said Kenevsky. . “If you’re a chef and you run a restaurant, we can help you with the management part.”
That assistance includes the participation of financial advisors to assist with basic skills such as tracking income and expenses, preparing income statements, and reporting those figures to the government.
Create a network
Cohort coaching sessions are similar to individual coaching sessions, but group businesses together.
“That’s where community building starts,” says Kenefsky. “In the same territory he places eight to ten other businesses and builds a community with them. I can.”
By building that network, businesses can share experiences and skills and give owners someone to turn to for advice, she said.
The popularity of cohort coaching sessions has led the Chamber of Commerce to create nonprofit, food court, and health and wellness cohort groups.
When the Business Pathways to Opportunity and Development program launched last year, the goal was to get 40 companies or businesses to sign up.
“We ended up with over 200 companies, and more companies are signing up every day,” says Kenefsky.
The Chamber of Commerce now has businesses in nearly every city in the county participating in the program. It is hoped that a second round of grants will be available to allow the Chamber to expand the program.
“We wanted to target the refugee community. Some are refugees from Afghanistan, some are in programs. I work in retail to get a job,” said Kenefsky. “We are working with them on how to properly structure the company here in the United States and in Washington state.”
For more information on the Business Pathways to Opportunity and Development program, please visit www.vancouverusa.com/business-owners/businesspod.
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